Thursday, April 17, 2008

We Dodger fans have it pretty good. Although the franchise hasn't won a World Series in *cough* decades, we still have six championships to celebrate. And there's a reason why Vin Scully's approval rating is astronomically high. But we've got some hidden gems too, including Dodger Stadium organist Nancy Bea Hefley. Although her role has decreased in recent years, Nancy Bea at the Roland organ remains one of the best parts of the Dodger Stadium experience.

Thanks to Chris of dodgerfan.net, I was reminded of Nancy Bea, and of Beantown West's Erin and me complaining to Josh Rawitch about the loud canned music at Dodger Stadium. As if Josh were personally responsible.

But we were on to something: a throwback night at Dodger Stadium with no canned music, only the dulcet tones of Nancy Bea's music. No player introduction music (although who wouldn't want to hear Jay-Z's "Déjà Vu" on the organ?). No dot races or scoreboard antics to distract the crowd. (Quarter Dodger Dogs and fifty-cent beers would be nice too, but let's stay real here.)

In her early Dodgers years, [Hefley] played during batting practice, pitching changes and even when the groundskeepers prepared the field for play. She provided accent music for whatever was happening down on the field and adopted theme songs for various players.

I believe Nancy Bea has the stamina for such a game. Am I just an old fart, or would Dodger fans actually support this?

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comments:

I've mentioned this idea to my wife so many times that whenever we're at a game, and some particularly annoying song is played, and I say "you know what would be nice", she immediately says, "yes, sweetie, the organ music is nice. Shut up."

This is the best idea I've heard in a long time. Do the Dodgers (and other teams) think that blasting canned music increases revenue? Do people come to the ballpark because of it, or stay away if it's not there? Of course not. The only fans who care about the music are those, like us, who pine for the old days, when Nancy Bea provided the soundtrack.

I was lucky enough to meet her one time...she's exactly as you'd imagine her. Sweet, friendly, and warm.

Dodger bloggers, use your new-found pull with the organization to make "Nancy Bea Day" happen.

I'd forgotten about the "Throwback Night" idea, and the more I think about it, the more I love it! I know Josh is concerned about marketing this to the kids, but do it on a Wednesday night in the middle of the summer when most people won't care. It could become an annual tradition and I think it would generate a ton of great press!

On another note, I've been wondering why the Dodgers are not marketing the fact that this is the 20th Anniversary of the 1988 world championship. Maybe it's too many anniversaries. Maybe they are saving this 'till later in the season. I went running last night in a 20th Anniversary shirt I got from the Mets in 2006 and that started the cogs turing. Then again, maybe the Dodgers don't want to remind people that it's been 20 years since they've won a playoff series!

I seriously want to make "Throwback Night" happen. Let's rally the Dodgers online community to make a positive change...if there's ever a year to do it, it's 2008! I posted a few additional ideas at the blog across the street...

My friend was commenting on that the other night, that we hadn't heard much from Nancy Bea. A "throwback night" sounds great. I think even like a Monday night against a lesser team would work. There was only 37334 in attendance on Monday night's game against the Pirates

I love Nancy Bea and I wish she would play more like she used to. The canned music is lame, unoriginal and uninspired. Nancy Bea chooses music creatively and appropriately and makes you smile. Nancy Bea Night, every night!

I am from the northeast but enjoy some west coast ball action. I think a tribute to Nancy Bea would be terrific. I have only heard a few of her organ gingles but the one she played in the 6th inning of game 4 of the NLCS this season was catchy. Please tell me what the song is called if you know it. Thanks